Trung
Hieu Nguyen

What route did you take into postgraduate study?

I studied a BSc Banking and Finance at the National Economics University of Vietnam before joining Nottingham Business School.

When choosing a master’s degree, what did you consider it important to have?

For me it was recognised accreditation, work-based learning and placement opportunities. All of which were offered by NBS.

What were your reasons for studying a master’s degree and why did you choose NBS?

I chose to study a masters degree because I wanted to specialise and deepen my finance knowledge. In addition, through my research, I discovered that NBS is practice focused rather than theory focused. Finally, the NBS graduates I spoke to all recommended the Business School to me.

Why did you choose to study MSc Finance and what did you enjoy about it?

Coming from a finance background, I wanted to deepen and specialise my knowledge of the finance industry. In addition, the course offered me the opportunity to do a paid one-year work placement in the UK.

What are the key skills you have developed studying at NBS?

I would say the key skills I have developed are leadership skills, communication (written and oral) skills, time management skills and problem solving skills.

How do you think the MSc Finance degree will help you in your future career?

As I intend on starting my own business upon graduation, the skills and experiences I have gathered at NBS have been invaluable. Not only have I developed key skills, which I didn’t have before, but I am much more confident in my own ability.

Describe what your seminars are like and how they differ from your undergraduate experience?

The seminars are small and foster an environment where people are encouraged and feel comfortable to participate. There are a lot of opportunities for students to debate, present in front of their peers whilst covering contemporary, real case studies.

What do you think sets Nottingham Business School apart from other business schools?

AACSB accreditation and the teaching. NBS was recently awarded a Gold rating in the Government’s Teaching Excellence Framework for its outstanding teaching and learning.

Have you benefited from the services provided by the Employability Team?

Yes, they were very useful in helping me find and secure my placement job. I used their online recourses, participated in mock interviews and mock assessment centres. All great preparation for my placement interviews.

What clubs, societies or other activities have you been involved in at Nottingham Trent University?

I was involved in the Thinkubator challenge and also as a Student Ambassador for NBS. The Thinkubator challenge is something really unique to NBS. It takes place over a day and as part of a team you strategise and develop a solution to a real business problem for a local business in Nottingham.

How have you found moving to and living in Nottingham?

It’s a great student city and I enjoy studying and living here, in spite of the weather! My English has improved no end as I have to use it every single day.

What advice would you give someone who is thinking about applying for the degree?

Do not hesitate to apply.

What are your short term and long term career plans?

In the short term, I will complete my placement year here in the UK to get some valuable work experience and exposure. In the long-term, I will return to Vietnam to start my business. When I came to Nottingham, I met a lot of successful people and it made me more confident to chase my dreams and start my own business.

Tell us about your work placement

For my placement, I secured a role as a Finance Assistant with Nottingham Trent University for a year! It was a competitive role, where I had to undergo interviews and a final assessment centre. I will be based with the main NTU Finance team and paid a salary in the range of £14,000 to £16,000.

Finally, in one sentence, how would you describe your experience of studying a masters degree at NBS?

It was so good that I will be thinking about it for many years to come.